Miniature rose plant `Minkco`

ABSTRACT

The subject of the present disclosure is a new and distinct variety of miniature rose plant characterized by the dark red color of the buds and flowers.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of hardy,dwarf, bush type rose plant of the miniature class; the variety beingprimarily characterized--as to novelty--by the deep red color of budsand flowers which in general color effect are similar to Red Pinocchio,Floribunda (U.S. Plant Patent No. 812, expired).

The variety is further characterized by:

An abundance of bloom, with flowers borne singly (occasionally several)to the stem.

Slight fragrance.

A plant which is vigorous, of upright, bushy shape with semi-glossy (tomatt) small foliage with pointed leaflets; the buds and flowers beingsimilar in form and size to Over The Rainbow (miniature--U.S. Plant Pat.No. 3,472).

The plant, which has a normal height of 12-14 inches, can easily bemaintained at lesser height by occasional trimming.

A plant which grows and blooms satisfactorily both in greenhouse andoutdoors; is good for growing in pots; and provides excellent gardendecoration as well as cut flowers.

The present variety of miniature rose was originated by me at my nurserylocated at Dallas, Tex., under conditions of careful control andobservation, as a cross between Tom Brown (floribunda--not patented) asthe seed parent and Over The Rainbow (miniature--U.S. Plant Pat. No.3,472) as the pollen parent.

Subsequent to origination of the variety I successfully asexuallyreproduced it at my nursery, located as aforesaid, by cuttings; thereproductions having run true in all respects.

The color photograph illustrates the variety, including the foliage,buds and flowers.

Referring now sepcifically to the new and distinct variety of miniaturerose plant, the following is a detailed description thereof in outline;all major color plate identifications being by reference to The BritishColour Council Horticultural Chart, except where common terms of colordefinition are employed.

Type: Hardy; dwarf; bushy; upright; seedlings; greenhouse; outdoors; cutflowers; garden decoration; potted plant.

Class: Miniature.

Variety name.--Minkco (Var: Black Jack).

Fowers borne: Singly (occasionally several on slender, wirey stems.

Quantity of bloom: Abundant both outside and in greenhouse.

Bud:

Peduncle.--Medium to long; slender but sturdy; erect; medium to lightgreen; hairs -- few or none. Before calyx breaks; size -- small. Formlong: pointed with several foliaceous apendages on surface of bud; withfoliaceous parts extending beyond the tip of the bud equal to one-halfor more of its length.

Color.--Medium green.

As calyx breaks, color.--Dark (blackish) red. Opening: opens well in allweather.

Bloom:

Size when fully open.--Small, averaging about 11/4-11/2".

Petalage.--Averaging about 40 petals, arranged regularly.

Form.--High centered with petals rolled loosely outward, and later atmaturity full and somewhat rounded. Open flowers may show stamens.

Petals: Fairly thick; velvety on inside and satiny on outside surface.

Shape.--Outside petals, broad lanceolate (nearly round) with acute tip;intermediate -- broad lanceolate with short acute tip; inside --lanceolate with acute or rounded tip.

Color: Newly opened flower from a plant grown outdoors;

Outside petal.--Outside surface -- dark red -- near ChrysanthemumCrimson 824 to Indian Lake 828 becoming lighter near base with smallyellowish area at base. Inside surface -- near Indian Lake 828 blendinginto lighter shade then into yellow at base.

Intermediate petal.--Outside surface -- similar to outside petal. Insidesurface -- similar to but tending to be lighter shade than outsidepetal.

Inner petal.--Outside surface -- same as intermediate petal; insidesurface -- same as intermediate petal. General color effect; newlyopened flowers -- color: dark red. Three days open -- Color similar tonewly opened flowers but slightly lighter color. Behavior -- Opens wellin all weather. Spent petals drop off. Flower longevity (May 1983) --Plant in pot 6-8 days. Cut flowers at living room temperature 4-6 days.

Reproductive organs:

Stamens.--Several to numerous, arranged regularly about pistils.

Filaments.--Varying length, medium to long, yellow.

Anthers.--Yellow.

Pollen.--Fair amount.

Pistils.--Average number.

Ovaries.--All enclosed in calyx.

Hips.--Numerous -- round to oval shape.

Sepals.--Permanent; spear shape; recurved.

Seed.--Several.

Foliage:

Leaves.--Compound of five (sometimes seven) leaflets -- small; leather;semi-glossy to matt.

Leaflets.--Shape: broad lanceolate; nearly oval; apex acute; baserounded or rounded acute. Margin: Serrate. Color: Deep green; new growth-- reddish to bronze. Rachis: Medium strength; upper side may have a fewtiny short hairs. Stipules: Medium long; narrow to medium width; shortlength narrow points which turn out usually at about 45 degrees.

Growth:

Habit.--Dwarf; bushy; upright; much branched.

Growth.--Free; vigorous; internodes short.

Canes.--Medium; slender; sturdy.

Main stems.--Color: medium green.

Thorns.--Average number; small; slender. Prickles -- Few or none. Hairs-- None.

Branches. --Color: light to medium green. Thorns: few; small; slender.Medium to short oval base. Prickles: none. Hairs: usually none.

Young shoots.--Color: bronze or reddish. Thorns: average number.

The miniature rose plant and its flowers as herein described may vary inslight detail due to climatic, soil and cultural conditions under whichthe variety may be grown; the present description being of the varietyas grown at Dallas, Tex., and at Visalia, Calif.

The following is claimed:
 1. A new and distinct variety of miniature rose plant of hardy, dwarf, bushy, rounded, much branched habit, substantially as illustrated and described, characterized by buds and flowers which are of a deep red color, often with blackish shading, with pointed buds of good substance suitable for cutting and exhibition,; and further characterized by a plant which is easy to propagate from soft wood cuttings, with an abundance of flowers usually borne singly on slender wirey stems. 